Christina Waters

Expert interpreter of the pinot noir grape, Jim Schultze of Windy Oaks Estate, will brings some of his supple Burgundian-style pinots to pour, detail and interpret, this coming Saturday, February 27.

The informal tasting workshop takes place at Soif, from 2-4 pm, for a $15 per person fee, which includes bread and cheese to accompany the various cuvees.

If you haven’t sampled Windy Oaks wines, or yet had the pleasure of hearing this consummate winemaker talk you through his award-winning vintages — you’re in for a memorable treat.
By reservations only, call wineshop at 423-2020, or email: luke@soifwine.com.

Harlow Ridge. You’ve seen it. You’ve been tempted. You’ve walked on.

Reconsider. For $6.99 you could do worse. And you have.

This is a better-than-decent tipple, good for a handful of black cherries, a soupçon of cedar, even a hint of smoke. Light 12.5% alcohol, this is a solid pour to go with anything crying out for red wine.

Don’t expect layers of complexity. When chilled, however, it is surprisingly drinkable.

You’ll find it everywhere.

Brad Briske (pictured here) still turns out astonishing dishes at Gabriella, which remains open (thanks to voodoo sacrifices and an astute tax attorney). We were once again rendered speechless by lunch last week showcasing designer pizza, hand-made cured meats and natural beef burgers. Oh and dessert of pound cake with orange zabaglione that was TDF.

Valentine’s Day at the Cellar Door. No prix fixe that evening, just romantic, candle-lit small plates by Charlie Parker, such as…. * Kumamoto oysters, with Meyer lemon granita & dill creme fraiche * Roasted lobster, artichokes, sunchokes & Buddha’s Hand * Bacon-wrapped galantine of rabbit, green garlic, young roots & prunes* vanilla-chocolate tart, burnt caramel ice cream & sea salt.

For even more romance, the Bonny Doon Vineyard folks are including live music by the Magnolia Jazz Band. Yes, by all means, make reservations.
Joseph Schultz is offering an intense,whirl-wind Greco-Turkish cooking course on Feb 23 at New Leaf on Ingalls St. 5:30-8:30pm, details at New Leaf website. Learn the tricks of the masters at this cooking class with the mastermind of the late lamented India Joze restaurant.

Here’s how we handle it, this winter/recession thing.

Beans, rice and Italian sausages (all natural pork made by New Leaf).

Add a big glass of Bonny Doon Vineyard’s excellent Sangiovese, a few candles (yes, David, we still dine by candlelight every night), and voila!

Jeff Emery’s splendid Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard wines just continue to find traction, most lately with the judges of the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. Emery’s robust Graciano 2007 bearing his Quinta Cruz label, took Best of Class & Judges’ Choice awards in the “Other Red Varietals” category.  The big, spicy Graciano — often blended with Tempranillo in distinguished Spanish wines  — offers complexity, rounded dark berry notes and plenty of grip. At $28 it makes a confident partner for game meats and spicy pastas. Available at the winery, 334-A Ingalls St., on the Westside,  as well as your favorite stores.

The prestigious San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition has showered the winemakers of Soquel Vineyards — Jon Morgan, Peter & Paul Bargetto, with gold (and not the kind advertised on those TV infomercials either).

Three opulent Pinot Noirs, a Sangiovese and a Cabernet Sauvignon made at the small Santa Cruz mountains winery, took Gold Medals — with a double gold going to the cab!

This could be the excuse you’ve needed to get out to the beautiful tasting room located in the hills above Soquel to sample all of the award-winners. Or you could check out your favorite wine store (e.g. New Leaf, Shoppers, VinoCruz) and pick up one of these tasty tipples. Three of Soquel Vineyards’ award-winning pinots come from Lester Family Vineyard, where ace viticulturist Prudy Foxx tends the vines.

Kudos!

The beautiful 2008 chardonnay made by Sal Godinez for Vine Hill is a surprisingly tangy, tart pour that avoids the cloying oak and butterscotch of so many California chardonnays.

Laced with minerals, the new Vine Hill release clocks in at a solid 14.4% alc, begins with plenty of lemon and lime, and then finishes up with hazelnuts and an appealing hint of banana.

Spectacularly distinctive, this wine adores middle-eastern flavors, grilled chicken and oil-rich seafoods. For $27 it is a great way to get acquainted with the future of Santa Cruz Mountains white wines.

That would be the 2007 Billy K Estate Merlot – from Alfaro Family Vineyards.

A tasty tipple indeed (I can’t believe I am recommending a merlot!), this is an enlightened wine with enough macho moves to please cab drinkers, and enough finesse to play hide ‘n’ seek with your favorite pinot.

The initial nose yielded apple, leather and plum, turning to sassafras and bacon – substantial and crying out for bbq chicken or pulled pork. We found it interesting in its own right, with a complex central core, and perfect for partnering most entrees this side of scallops.

Named for Richard Alfaro’s late father-in-law Billy Kempker, the wine is all estate, a beautiful ruby color and balanced to drink now, or age for a few years. At 14.5% alcohol this makes for a well-spent $30.

Delightful, definitive and doonright intriguing is this Perfect Gift for the inquiring wino on your list.

Been Doon So Long — Randall Grahm’s beautifully produced and illustrated collection of rants, ruminations and reminiscences is available at any bookstore worth the name for $34.95.

Get one, and then get another one for yourself!

So you want to greet 2010 with a major party? Look no further than the Cellar Door where chef Charlie Parker has nothing but luxury in mind, cuisine to match the wines by Randall Grahm. Dinner and a Masquerade on New Year’s Eve! For details check the website — and better make those reservations fast!

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Amuse-bouche
paired with 2008 Ca’ del Solo Albarino

Sunchoke Soup with Osetra Caviar, Brioche & Quail Egg
paired with: 2008 Grenache Blanc

Roasted Lobster with Brussel Sprouts, Kohlrabi and Uni Butter paired with: 2004 Le Cigare Blanc

Seared Foie Gras (more…)